Fishing reports have been sparse this month because we have been out fishing! I spent a week trout fishing on the Kenai River. Despite the crowds, the fishing was as good (better) than I had imagined. TJ Dawson from Lakeview Outfitters really showed me a good time and put me on some dandy fish. I did also fish several days with Jeff Heiskell from Alaska Troutfitters. He is alright I guess... Just kidding Jeff, love ya buddy. Thanks for the good times. It really should be on every angler's bucket list. What a beautiful river with some amazing fish.
Jeff with a "its too small for a picture" Kenai Rainbow |
As far as what is happening around the Gorge: We finally got a healthy dose of the fall rains that we have been asking for. This did cause some clarity issues on the Klick and the Hood. That's OK because the summer steelhead run on the Hood is mediocre at best, but it should get the fall chinook into full spawn mode and flush out the older salmon that are hanging around. I don't put in much effort on the Hood this time of year, but if I only have an hour or two to fish, it is available and gives up a steelhead every once in a great while.
There are no winter steelhead in the Hood River yet... the earliest that winter steelhead have been found in the fish trap on the Hood has been mid November, and that is always after heavy rains. The winter steelhead really get moving into the Hood well after the New Year.
Dave with a nice hatchery Steelhead caught on his brand new Nautilus! |
The Deschutes seems to have held up pretty well from recent rains. Clarity is not perfect, but we like a little color to our rivers.
Confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers, gorgeous! |
Fall Chinook should be finishing up their spawn here shortly, so opportunities for fresh, hot salmon are about over, but there are a few Coho Salmon around the tributaries.
October trout fishing! |
The East Fork Hood River is very colorful right now... but trout fishing (its always closed for steelhead/salmon) has been decent when it has been clearer. Time shall tell when it clears up, but it closes on Halloween so get in your small stream trout fishing while you can.
Ryan has been slaying nice smallmouth bass on the Columbia lately. He isn't giving up any secrets, but he appears to be the only person bass fishing out there...
Flows: The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns. Both are invaluable tools. You can also check water temps here too...
Deschutes near Madras :
As always, we are happy to talk fishing any time. Give us a call if you have any specific questions on local rivers, gear, and tactics, or if you just want some encouragement to get out of the office. 541.386.6977
Andrew Perrault
Columbia Gorge Fishing Reports
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977
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